In a significant blow to the Indian cricket team, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The left-hander sustained a side strain during a training session in Vadodara on Saturday, just a day before the series opener.
Net Session Mishap Leads to Serious Injury
The incident occurred at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium's Ground B. Pant was engaged in an extended batting stint in the nets when a delivery from a throwdown specialist struck him on the ribs, just above the waist. The impact happened late in his session, causing immediate and visible distress.
Support staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, rushed to attend to the 28-year-old as he grimaced in pain on the field. After receiving initial medical treatment at the venue, Pant walked off the ground and did not return to training.
Medical Assessment Confirms Series-Ending Strain
A subsequent medical evaluation revealed the full extent of the damage. A reliable source confirmed to the Times of India that Pant has been diagnosed with a right-sided strain featuring an internal oblique muscle tear. This diagnosis officially ends his participation in the ODI contest against the Black Caps.
With Pant unavailable, the national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to name a replacement player soon. In the current ODI setup, KL Rahul remains the first-choice wicketkeeper.
Setback in a Comeback Journey
This injury represents another hurdle in Pant's recent cricketing journey. His last ODI appearance was against Sri Lanka in July 2024. While he was part of India's triumphant Champions Trophy squad in 2025, he did not feature in any matches.
He had recently returned to competitive cricket after recovering from a toe fracture sustained during the fourth Test against England in Manchester. Just prior to this national call-up, he was leading Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring two half-centuries against Services and Railways.
The sudden nature of the setback was underscored when India captain Shubman Gill was seen in a lengthy discussion with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar at the venue following Pant's exit from the nets.
The ODI series against a revamped New Zealand side will proceed as scheduled. The first match will be a historic occasion, marking the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium's debut as a host for a men's international match on Sunday. The action will then move to Rajkot for the second ODI on January 14, concluding in Indore on January 18.
